Minutes 01-30-2018 AOG - Laserfiche WebLink

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8 • No amendment to the WASMPBA would be necessary but passing formal resolutions of this interpretation would likely be best in order to have a formal record for the future. • Or 2. The WASMPBA is amended to specifically add “Parks or associated Facilities” to the definition of “Essential Public Facility” • Would require adoption by the five signatory parties Mayor Hemminger said Chapel Hill brought this item forward, as this land was purchased to be a park. She said when a park has intense use, it needs water and sewer, both for safety and stewardship of the environment. She said she knows there is not a park plan yet, but it is important to bring water and sewer to the area in anticipation of a public park. Council Member Oates asked if there are legal constraints to insure that development does not come to the area. Mayor Hemminger said this land was purchased with lands legacy funds and designated for a park, and to change that designation it would require the County and Town of Chapel Hill to vote on it. Craig Benedict said there is a provision in the agreement that says utilities will only be sized to serve this property, and not be oversized so that other projects could tie on. Commissioner Jacobs said there are no plans for this property, and there are no funds for any parks at this time. He said if the rules for parks are changed, there needs to be some type of standards, since water and sewer could be run into the rural buffer for miles. He asked if a legal opinion is needed from their attorneys and the School of Government. He said in the current legislative environment, being creative requires caution. He said there should be a definition of distance for running water and sewer in the rural buffer. Commissioner Price asked if Mayor Hemminger is hoping for a soccer park. Mayor Hemminger said there are public-private partnership opportunities, if they develop a park and run water and sewer. She said this land is intended as a park for active recreation, as opposed to Blackwood Park. She said amending the definition is the way to go. Commissioner Price asked if the intended intensity of use for this park is known. Mayor Hemminger said they are not asking to appropriate funds, but rather to allow the opportunity if it so arises. Commissioner Price said she could see issues arising, especially without a clear plan for the park. Commissioner Marcoplos said it is too early to know how many people will be out there, and he is confidant public health would not be endangered with any system that may be put out there. He said more information is needed in order to carry on the conversation. Commissioner Burroughs said she would encourage her peers on the Board of County Commissioners to keep an open mind. She asked if more information could be gathered on how much money will be needed on the parks going forward. She said if this park can be planned early, or if there are investors that could move the process along more quickly, all should keep an open mind. She said Millhouse Park is close to the Chapel Hill as opposed to Blackwood Farm, and they could redefine the definition of distance into the rural buffer. Mayor Lavelle said she agreed with several of the points Commissioner Burroughs made, and she asked that all keep an open mind because parks do contribute to health and welfare, just like schools do. Commissioner McKee said the BOCC talked recently about the expanded use of this property, and possibly relocating residents displaced from mobile home parks. Commissioner Jacobs said Blackwood Farm is very close to Hillsborough’s water and sewer, and it is important to have a measured plan moving forward. He said Mayor Hemminger